Jude Chiemeka Takes Helm of African Securities Exchanges Association

Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, has assumed the presidency of the African Securities Exchanges Association, placing a Nigerian market executive at the head of the continental body representing securities exchanges across Africa.

His appointment took effect on September 30, 2026. Chiemeka succeeds Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba, who leads the Rwanda Stock Exchange. In addition to his role at NGX, Chiemeka chairs the West African Capital Markets Integration Council, giving him experience with efforts to connect capital markets across national borders.

ASEA said its current agenda includes improving liquidity, strengthening links between markets, increasing the use of technology and encouraging more movement of investment capital across African countries. Under Chiemeka's leadership, the association plans to support greater inter-exchange trading and cross-listing, which would allow stronger connections between participating securities markets.

Technology is also expected to feature prominently in the association's work. ASEA plans to encourage wider adoption of financial technology and updated market infrastructure, with the aim of improving how exchanges operate and widening access for retail investors. The organisation also intends to strengthen relationships with international institutional investors while encouraging more participation from investors within Africa.

Another area identified by the association is sustainable finance. Its priorities include work toward more consistent environmental, social and governance frameworks and further development of green bond listings among member exchanges. These measures form part of ASEA's wider effort to make African capital markets more connected and capable of attracting investment.

Chiemeka said his new role comes at a period when closer market integration and technology are increasingly important to Africa's economic development. He indicated that the association would continue building on the work carried out under his predecessor, with attention to investment frameworks across borders, deeper pools of market liquidity and sustainable financing initiatives.

Rwabukumba, reflecting on his period as president, said progress had been made in bringing African exchanges closer together. He congratulated Chiemeka and pointed to his leadership experience in Nigeria and within the West African market integration council as relevant preparation for the continental role.

Chiemeka brings more than three decades of capital-market experience to the position, covering securities trading, investment banking and asset management. His tenure will now place him at the centre of ASEA's efforts to increase cooperation among African exchanges and develop a more interconnected investment environment across the continent.